Why Every Fact is Interesting

It seems to me that every phenomenon, every fact, itself is the really interesting object. Whoever explains it, or connects it with other events, usually only amuses himself or makes sport of us, as, for instance, the naturalist or historian. But a single action or event is interesting, not because it is explainable, but because it is true.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Unterhaltungen Deutscher Ausgewanderten (2012-05-04)

• facts
• science